Mackenzie Gilliland, LPAT, LCADC

Welcome to Mackenzie’s Office

 

It’s okay to not be okay. Life is hard and throws things at us that we’re often not prepared for, but there is hope. Your brain and body are capable of healing, and art therapy can be a tool to help you get there.

Sometimes there aren’t words for the things that you’re feeling or what you have experienced. Art is a great alternative way to get in touch with and communicate what has happened and how you feel as a result.

I know it may sound scary to do the work, but I’ll be there to walk beside you as you work through the challenges that you’re facing. I believe in you and believe that things will get better.

Mackenzie Gilliland art therapist

Areas of Specialty

Young Adults

Life is full of big transitions that can feel difficult to navigate on your own. It can be common to struggle when living through situations such as:

  • Losing a job or changing careers
  • The end of a relationship
  • Becoming a single parent
  • Determining the right direction for your life

It’s also challenging to live in a world where we constantly compare ourselves to others. You may find yourself seeing how you stack up against the model on the magazine at the grocery store. Or, you may feel bad about yourself after scrolling through Instagram. Or, it may be you struggle with feeling not “good enough” in every way. 

Even though your 20’s are often stereotyped as the best time of your life, it can also be very lonely. You may find yourself in a different stage of life than friends. Or, you may be ready for life to fall into place with the perfect job, perfect apartment, and perfect partner, but no matter what you try, it isn’t happening.

If life isn’t feeling like you thought it was going to, for any reason, therapy can help. Schedule an appointment today if you’re ready to do the work and learn new skills to help you move forward in confidence in your full identity.

Adults with Anxiety

Life can feel uncertain and out of control at times. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety due to past trauma, current life situations, or if you have anxiety and don’t know why, therapy can help you learn to manage your anxiety and take control.

Signs of anxiety can include:

  • Excessive fear about upcoming events
  • Worry about life in general
  • Irritability and anger
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Stomachaches, headaches, or muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating

During sessions, I combine art therapy with talk therapy and EMDR to bring a dynamic approach to your therapy experience. We will work together to process situations you’ve experienced in the past and overcome anxiety about the future. 

One of my favorite things about working as a therapist is helping people like you realize you have more control than you realized before. Schedule an appointment today if you want support and a safe space to process your experiences and feelings.

Addiction Recovery

Recovering from addiction and past trauma is hard, but you’re going to get through it and I can support you along the way. 

Drug and alcohol addiction is often the result of trying to cover up or numb past trauma. You may find that you struggle with anxiety and depression, or you may find that you’re experiencing negative consequences in your life as a result of substance use. If you know you have a problem and are ready to work on it, I’m ready to help.

You are not your past mistakes and you are capable of making healthy choices. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to work on yourself so you can move forward.

Schedule an appointment today if you’ve tried everything you can think of and it’s not working, or you are ready for support along your journey.


Meet Mackenzie Gilliland

I grew up in Missouri and learned about art therapy when I was in 10th grade. From that point on, I knew I wanted to help people express themselves through artwork the same way I did growing up. I moved to Louisville for graduate school and eventually became a Board Certified Art Therapist. 

One of the first things I usually do with clients during art therapy sessions is create “About Me” collages together so we can get to know each other, but if you want a sneak peek—I have two cats and a dog. I love being an aunt and spending time with my friends. I recently developed a bit of a green thumb and love to travel. It’s my dream to visit Iceland!

I want you to know I’ve had to do a lot of my own work and self exploration. It helped me become more comfortable with who I am and get to the point where I am now. I know I’m a better therapist because of it and look forward to helping you make the progress you want to see in your own life.

 

 

Ready to get started?

A strong therapeutic relationship is key in healing, feeling heard, feeling important, and learning to love yourself. If you’re ready to get started, schedule an appointment today.